Van Dijk says Liverpool must recover after unacceptable season

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has described the club's season as unacceptable, calling for a response from the squad following the dismissal of head coach Arne Slot. The Dutch defender said the events surrounding Slot's departure had affected the team deeply and urged players to react to the difficult run of results. Van Dijk said Liverpool needed to push for a higher finish in the Premier League this season and return stronger next term. He stressed that the squad must take responsibility on the pitch and restore confidence among the club's supporters. The captain added that the team would continue to build under its new head coach and that players needed to take greater initiative during the transition. Liverpool are expected to seek a recovery in both domestic and European competition in the closing stages of the campaign.